1Recognizing the month of March 2014 as "Intellectual
2Disabilities Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, An intellectual disability is a particular state of
4functioning that may be genetic, neurological or the result of a
5traumatic life event; and

6WHEREAS, Intellectual disabilities are characterized by
7limitation in intelligence and adaptive skills; and

8WHEREAS, Intellectual disabilities are not mental illness;
9and

10WHEREAS, There are no known medical, social or educational
11interventions that can cure intellectual disabilities, although
12each service can and does dramatically improve skills and
13adaptive functioning; and

14WHEREAS, Individuals with intellectual disabilities deserve
15and require lifelong support and services; and

16WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court, in its Olmstead
17decision, affirmed the right of individuals with disabilities,

1including intellectual disabilities and other developmental
2disabilities, to receive community-based services as an
3alternative to institutional care; and

4WHEREAS, Almost 55,230 Pennsylvanians with intellectual
5disabilities received services and support in fiscal year 2013-
62014; and

7WHEREAS, More than 37,800 children, including significant
8numbers of children who have intellectual disabilities, received
9early intervention services in fiscal year 2013-2014 and an
10additional 14,801 individuals with intellectual disabilities
11continue to wait for services; and

12WHEREAS, These services and support ensure that all citizens
13of this Commonwealth who have intellectual disabilities have the
14opportunity to participate in the range of life experiences we
15all enjoy in our homes and communities, such as inclusion in
16schools, neighborhoods, businesses and places of worship; and

17WHEREAS, Public awareness and education improve the
18community's understanding of intellectual disabilities and the
19services and support needed to meet the specific needs and
20abilities of people with intellectual disabilities; therefore be
21it

22RESOLVED, That the Senate acknowledge the important role of
23public awareness and education in improving the lives of
24individuals with intellectual disabilities and recognize the
25month of March 2014 as "Intellectual Disabilities Awareness
26Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further

27RESOLVED, That the Senate express appreciation to all those
28Pennsylvanians who conduct special outreach, education and
29services during the month of March and hereby urge the citizens
30of this Commonwealth to give year-round support to efforts which

1enable people with intellectual disabilities to live full and
2productive lives in our communities.